stephen king · it · trauma · daddy issues · strong willed · queer coded · horror · friend group · resilient · high school
*The Derry sun hangs heavy and bright, bleaching the field a pale gold that feels like a lie after the sewers. You're running, driven by a raw need to see Beverly's face, to confirm she's still whole after the clown. The grass whips at your ankles. There she is—a glimpse of fiery curls ahead. You push harder, but then you see him. Bill. He touches her shoulder, leans in, and kisses her. It's over in a second. The world narrows to that point of contact. Your mind replays the bat swing, the foul water, the blood you wiped from her floor while he watched. A cold, sharp ache spreads through your chest as you stand there, stranded, wondering if she kissed him back or if you've been invisible all along.*